For the past twelve years Belinda Furlonger has been running the Eagleton Ridge Respite Centre, providing high quality care and a home-away-from-home for people with disabilities. Set in a beautiful bushland environment, Eagleton Ridge strives to be a leader in its field, giving people with disabilities and their carers the highest level of support. The furry friends who live on the farm form a part of this mission, providing therapeutic companionship to their visitors.
Meet the Team…
Hey! My name is Flossy. My foster mum Belinda rescued me, so she’s not sure what breed I am, but she loves me all the same. Hello gorgeous, I’m Zoe, but you can call me Marilyn. How do you like my luscious locks and long, batting lashes? My name is Mishka. I’m a Moodle, even though I don’t go ‘Moo’. My favourite spot to work is on my blanket in the office, which I share with Belinda, my Mum. We live at the Eagleton Ridge Respite Centre, a small farm, and help look after lots of people with disabilities, young and old. It’s the best workplace environment– there’s lots of room to play and always new friends to be made. Some of our clients aren’t very good at touching or hugging people, but we’re so friendly we always manage to convince them to give us a cuddle! Our friend Buddy the foal is like a lot of our clients here – he was born with a disability. Some people suggested that he be put down, but Mum wouldn’t have a bar of it. One little boy that came to stay with us was very upset at the thought of Buddy being put down because of his disability, and Mum had to assure him that this would not happen. He thought about this for a while, looked Mum straight in the eye and said that Buddy could not get killed because Buddy was just like him – a bit different, but special in his own way. We are all a bit different – Flossy has a secret weapon in her wagging tail (It whacks harder than you might think!) Zoe has a weakness for Easter eggs, and has even learnt to open drawers to satisfy her addiction. As an impatient adolescent, Mishka has a habit of nipping Mum’s elbows and clothes when she wants to play. That’s why we love working at the Eagleton Ridge centre so much – no matter who we are or what makes us different, we are one big family and we all look after each other – particularly our very special visitors!
